Automatic oil well pumping and timing device



AUTOMATIC OIL WELL PUMPING AND TIMING DEVICE Filed April 2, 1962 Jan. 5, 1965 v. E. WILLIAMS 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. V524 f. Mam/14s ATTORNEYS.

Jan. 5, 1965 v. E. WILLIAMS 3,164,095

AUTOMATIC OIL WELL. PUMPING AND TIMING DEVICE Filed April 2, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR V521 MAM/1M5 W ATTORNEYS 3,14,95 Patented Jan. 5, 1965 g 3,164,095 AUTOMATIC OIL WELL PUMPING AND TIlVIlNG DEVICE Verl E. Williams, Box 25, Kellerville, Tex. Filed Apr. 2, 1962, Ser. No. 184,427

3 Claims. (Cl. 103-26) This invention relates to an automatic oil well pumping and timing device and has as its primary object the provision of an automatic means which will energize and deenergize a pump motor in accordance with the level of fluid in the bottom of the well.

An additional object of the invention is the provision of a device of this character which will actuate the pump when the fluid level in the well reaches a predetermined high point, and which will maintain the pump in operation during the lowering of the fluid to "a predetermined low level, at which time the pumping motor will be deenergized. v

A further object of the invention is the provision of an automatic means whereby after the pump has been deenergized upon the achievement of a predetermined low level in the'well, that a rise in fluid level will not reactivate the motor until a predetermined high level has been reached. a

A further important object of the invention is the provi-' periods of time during which the pump is not running.

as well as the time required for the well to refill such distance, in order that deviations in the normal pattern of a given well may be readily detected.

A further important object of the invention is the provisionof an indicating means which may be employed in a single central location in conjunction with a plurality of wells, the individual performance of each well being indicated separately on the chart.

Still other objects of the invention reside'in the combinations of elements, arrangements of parts, and features of construction, all as will be more fully pointed out here-" inafter and shown in theaccompanying drawings wherein there are disclosed preferred embodiments of this inventive concept.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a schematic viewof one'form of apparatus constructed in accordance" with the invention, in association with a well, the well having two float switches therein in their up position, indicating that the fluid level is at least up to the uppermost switch, in which position the upper switch is in circuit closing position and the'low er switch in circuit opening position.

As conducive to a clearer understanding of this invenclosing posltion, indicating that the level of fluid in the tion, it may here be pointed out that in the oil fields there are's ocalled stripper wells. These wells have been substantially exhausted but may produce, with suitable pumping, from one to forty or fifty barrels daily. Such wells have very low bottom hole pressure. An impor'-' tuated when the fluid level is abovethe perforations in the tubing, which area few feet under the pump. In the event that a well has been pumped off; that is, pumped tain instances, will gas lock the pump. Additionally, gas in the tubing will travel to the top of the well where the polish rod is traveling through the smiling box. This will heat the polish rod and burn out the gaskets in the stufling tant object of the invention is the provision of'means to be utilized in such wells whereby the pump is only acbox, infthe absence of lubricant and cooling fluid. Sub- 1? sequent to this, when the fluid reachesthe top it will spray.

Heretofore, such wells have been shut down'and started again largely by guesswork, and in many instances severe damage has been done to the equipment.

An important object of thisinvention is, therefore,the provision of a means including float actuated switches located in the well and relatively close 'to the bo'ttonrthereof, which willenergizeeand dc-energize the motor actuating the pump 'in the manner previously described so that the pump will operate 'only when the fluid has reached a predetermined level, and be' automatically-dc energized when the fluid has been pumped to a predetermined lower level, re-energization only being elfected when the level'has again built up in the well to the desired high level.

It should also be pointed out that the chart'in associa-' tion with the float switches will disclose a definite pattern for an' individual well, and any sudden deviation from this pattern, indicated on the chart automatically, would be an indication of difliculty in-the'pumping system or other'equipment. 'It is a further important object 'of this invention '-to thus record the time required forrunning the pump toreduce the fluid level the required: distance,

FIGURE 2 is aview similar to FIGURE I, parts thereof being omitted, showing the upper switch inits lower; position or circuit opening position, and the lower switch in its up or'circuitopeningposition, indicating that the level of fluid is somewhere between the'two switches.

- FIGURE 3 is aview similar to FIGURES l and 2, but indicating both the upper andlower switchesin their down position, with the'upper switch being in circuit opening position and thelower switch being in circuit well is below the lowermost switch. 1'

struction to that of the upper switch. I I t FIGURE 5 is an enlarged sectionalview taken substantially along thexline 54-5 of 'FIGUREA as viewed in the direction indicated .by the arrows.

FIGURE 6 is a sectional View showing schematically 1 the controlfortherecor ding mechanism in accordance with the position of the float. switches, FIGURE 6 show ing the position of certaini solenoid controlled elements whenthe switches are in the position of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 7 isa view similar to FIGURE 6, certain" 3 parts thereof beingom'itted, showing the positionof cerechanism for controlling the motor when. the switches are in the position of FIGURE.2.I;-.'-: i I FIGURE 8 is aview similar'to FIGURE 7 showing the mechanism when the float switches are in'theposition o'fFIGU-REBJ 1 1 FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary, partiallyschernatic view, of the upper floatswitch shown in full lines in circuit closi'ng position,- d indotted'ilines in circuit openingfposition. l

I'FIGURE 10'is a iew similar to FIGURE '9 but shewingthe lower switchin full 'lines'inup circuit or circuit open position-"and in dott'ed lines in circuit closing or down position. I

form of recording apparatus wherein the performance of stripper well, the pipe extending nearly .to the bottom' of:

a plurality of wells are indicated on a single chart; and FIGURE 12 is a schematic cross sectional'view of the chart of FIGURE li'l showing the actuating mechanis therefor.

throughoutthe'several views of the-drawings.

from which a pipB:;21 extends into, a well bore 22 of a FIGURE 11 isa fragmentary as view a a modified- Similar reference" characters refer? to similar parts the well and being provided adjacent its bottom with perforations 23. A first or lower float switch assembly, generally indicated at 24, is secured about the pipe 21 at a position closely above and adjacent to the perforations 23. A second or upper float'switch assembly 25 is positioned a suitable distance above switch assembly 24, the switch assemblies and their operation to be more fully described hereinafter. An electrical conduit 26 contains wiresleading from both switch assemblies 24 and 25 to a control and recording mechanism 27a, which may be contained in 'a housing 27, having a visual opening 28 therein. The housing 27 is provided'with a conduit29-through which extend wires 30 and 31 (see FIGS. 6 7, and 8) which extend from a suitable source of electrical power. 7 A conduit 33 extends from the casing 27 to a motor 34 which serve to operate a suitable pump (not shown) in the tube 21 adjacent the lower switch assembly 24. 7

Referring now 'to the switch assemblies 24 and 25, each is comprised of a clamping band 35 which is provided with projecting ends 36 which are clamped about tube 21 by means of a bolt and nut 37. The clamping bands ter niinate atone side in a plate 38 which has a reverted 'end of heat 41 of second switch assembly t25-is provided with wires 43 and 44 leading to contacts in the end of mercury tube 42 most nearly adjacent pivot pin39a. The arrangement is thus such .thatwhen thesecondswitch assembly 25 is tilted to its uppermost position, the circuit, to be "more .fully described hereinafter, is closed, the circuit i being broken when the .secondps'witch: assembly 25.

moves to its lower-or dotted line position. First mercury,

switch 42a of first 7 switch assembly 24' is substantially -identical3and is mounted-on an identical float 41 with the exception ofjthe' factthat' wires 45 and 46 extend to suitable contacts in the end of mercury tube 4 2a remote, fromthe pivot pin 39a so that when the first switch assembly 24 is in its uppermost positionv indicating that the level of fluid is thereabove, a 'circuit 'to' beimore' fully described hereinafter through wires45 and 46,1is opened, but when the float 41 of firstswitch assembly24 drops to its lowermost position indicatingsthat the level of fluid is,there below, a circuit is closed thr'oughwires '45 and 46.

7 Assuming that the switch assemblies ate both intheir uppermost position as indicated ;in.FI'GURES ljan'cl 6,

c an actu a tin'gcircuit is established fr orn -wire ,43 to a first. solenoid coil Ell, the circuit comprising line 3!), terminal i 44, swi'illhassembly 25, 1 n Solenoid l ?v i; and 25 and their associated circuitry in a diiierent well.

second solenoid coil 65 is energized to move the pen into operative position as long as the motor 34 is running.

Since, however, it will take a very short time to lower the fluid level in the well bore to an extent sufiicient to tilt switch assembly to its down or circuit open position, and de-energize first solenoid Sit, means are provided for maintaining contacts 57 and 58 in closed position mechanically regardless of the energization or de-energization of solenoid 50. Such means take the form of a latch means including a latch 71 mounted on the end of a latch arm 72 which is pivotally mounted as at 73 in casing 27. A spring 74 normally biases latch arm 72 into the position shown in FIGURE 6 with the spring arm 56 held in position to engage its contact 57 with the associated contact 58. This condition prevails during the pumping of the well down to a level below switch assembly 24, at which time switch assembly 24 moves to its down position and closes a latching circuit through wires 45 and 45 to an additional or third solenoid coil 75, the circuit. being through wire 3%, terminal 51, wire 76a, third solenoid coil 75, wire 45, switch assembly 24, and wire 46 back to line 31. Energization of the additional or third solenoid coil 75 causes n movement of a link 76 which pivots the arm 72 to the 7 24 to its up position, at which time third solenoid 75 is tie-energized, and the spring 74 moves the switch latching arm 72 back to the position shown in FIGURE 7. At this time all of the mechanism is de-energized and remains deenergized during the refilling of the well, until the fluid level'reaches a point at whichrit moves ,upper float switch T motor 34 and its associated pump,,. and starts the cycle assembly 25 upwardly to its circuit closing position, at which time energization of first solenoid 5Q re-energizes again,

In some instances it is desired that a record of the pumping activity of a plurality of wells be simultaneously recorded. In: this case the chart mechanism takes the form shown in'FlGURES 11 and 12, wherein'a roller type chart Silis mounted on a drive roller 81 and an idler roller 82, by means of a conventional timer 83, the chart 8!) in this case taking the place of the disc chart 70. A plurality 52from the'other' side offirstsolenoid 50, terminal 53,

.' and wire 31. Closure of .the'first solenoid 50 serves l through 'a rod 54 to pivot an actuating arm against a.

. spring contact fingerfi which engages acontac t57 carried thereby with an opposed contact 58,,carried by a second'spring finger 59; Fingers'56 land 59 are normally separated by" a; coil spring 60. From the, contact58 a wireil formingpa'rt of a motorcircuit leads to one side of-motor 34, the otherside of which is connected directly" to wire 31-, the arrangement'beingsuch that; closure of :contact'sr57 and 58 energizes the motor 34 which in turn actuates the pump. Simultaneously with'theactuatibn of the pump 34, wires'62 and 63 forming partof a-recording stylus 68 about a pivot 69 into engagement with a.recor d-' ing disc 70, which is rotated by any suitable timing mechl anism of conventional character '(not; shown Asfllong as the upper switch assembly 25is in circuihclosing position the motor 34 willbe energized through the contacts 57 and 58, and simultaneously the period'ofactuation will ;b'erecordedfon the time chart disc pen 68, since'the in anydesired manner on a pivot 69a.

of pens 8% are provided, each one being associated with operating mechanism including float switch assemblies 24 However, in this instance of multiple wells, individual solenoids 66a are provided for each well similar to the second solenoid 66 shown in FIGURE 6. Each solenoid 66a is activated upon the energization of the appropriate motor and its associated well to move a link 67a which moves an operating arm 68a which is pivotally mounted A spring holder 84 biases, 'by means of a spring 85 the arm 68:; down wardly towards the position shown in the right hand side of FIGURE 12; 'Energization of the solenoid 66a overcomes the bias of spring 85 and by means of the engagement of a split or bifurcated end 86, engaging the end of apen carrying lever 87, pivoted as at 8%, causes a recording pen 89 to engage the chart 89. As the chart moves linearly beneath the engaged pen point 89, as shown in the left hand side of FIGURE 12, a continuous time record is kept of the operation of each individual well. When the solenoid 66a is de-energized in the manner previously described, spring 85 moves its associated pen 89 out of engagement with the record, roll St the particular pen remaining in non-recordingposition until such time as its associatedzsolenoid is re-energized in the manner previously-described, e

From the foregoig it will now be seen that there is herein provided an improved automatic control for oil wells, and more particularly for stripper wells, which accomplishes all of the objects of this invention, and others, in-

cluding many advantages of great practical utility and commercial importance.

As many embodiments may be made of this inventive concept, and as many modifications may be made in the embodiments hereinbefore shown and described, it is to be understood that all matter herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for controlling the pumping of oil wells throgh pump means operatively connected to tubes extending into said wells and having a plurality of perforations adjacent their lower ends comprising a first float switch assembly pivotally mounted on the tube, in a well directly above the perforations therein, a second float switch assembly pivotally mounted on the tube a desired distance above said first float switch assembly, said first float switch assembly including a first mercury switch having a pair of spaced contacts and a quantity of mercury suflicient to close said contacts when said first float switch assembly is tilted downwardly by droppage of the fluid level in the well below said first float switch assembly, said second float switch assembly including a second mercury switch having a pair of spaced contacts and a quantity of mercury sufficient to close said last-mentioned contacts when said second float switch assembly is tilted upwardly by rising of the fluid level in the well above said second float switch assembly, a motor to drive the pump means operatively connected to the tube, means defining a motor circuit, a pair of contact fingers having normally spaced contacts in said motor circuit, a first solenoid coil Operatively connected to said contact fingers to close the space between said last-mentioned contacts, means defining an actuating circuit including the contacts in said second mercury switch and said first solenoid coil toenergize said first solenoid coil and thereby close said motor circuit when said second switch assembly is tilted upwardly, latch means normally biased to hold said contacts on said fingers in closed relationship, an additional solenoid coil operatively connected to said latch means to release the same, and means defining a latching circuit including said contacts in said first mercury switch and said additional solenoid coil to energize said additional solenoid coil and thereby release said latch means when said first mercury switch is tilted downwardly.

2. A structure in accordance, with claim 1 wherein one of said fingers is spring biased to maintain its associated contact in spaced relationship to the contact on said other finger, said latch means including a spring biased pivotally mounted latch arm having a latch thereon engageable with References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,697,196 Harper Dec. 14, 1954 2,736,201 Ohlsen et al Feb. 28,- 1956 Peters et al. July 24, 1962 

1. APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THE PUMPING OF OIL WELLS THROUGH PUMP MEANS OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO TUBES EXTENDING INTO SAID WELLS AND HAVING A PLURALITY OF PERFORATIONS ADJACENT THEIR LOWER ENDS COMPRISING A FIRST FLOAT SWITCH ASSEMBLY PIVOTALLY MOUNTED ON THE TUBE IN A WELL DIRECTLY ABOVE THE PERFORATIONS THEREIN, A SECOND FLOAT SWITCH ASSEMBLY PIVOTALLY MOUNTED ON THE TUBE A DESIRED DISTANCE ABOVE SAID FIRST SWITCH ASSEMBLY, SAID FIRST FLOAT SWITCH ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A FIRST MERCURY SWITCH HAVING A PAIR OF SPACED CONTACTS AND A QUANTITY OF MERCURY SUFFICIENT TO CLOSE SAID CONTACTS WHEN SAID FIRST FLOAT SWITCH ASSEMBLY IS TILTED DOWNWARDLY BY DROPPAGE OF THE FLUID LEVEL IN THE WELL BELOW SAID FIRST FLOAT SWITCH ASSEMBLY, SAID SECOND FLOAT SWITCH ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A SECOND MERCURY SWITCH HAVING A PAIR OF SPACED CONTACTS AND A QUANTITY OF MERCURY SUFFICIENT TO CLOSE SAID LAST-MENTIONED CONTACTS WHEN SAID SECOND FLOAT SWITCH ASSEMBLY IS TILTED UPWARDLY BY RISING OF THE FLUID LEVEL IN THE WELL ABOVE SAID SECOND FLOAT SWITCH ASSEMBLY, A MOTOR TO DRIVE THE PUMP MEANS 